Contactless device for actuating a signal

ABSTRACT

A device for triggering a signal without the use of mechanical contacts for application in alarm clocks, signal clocks, time switching clocks for electronic devices, start and stop time clocks, short time clocks and the like, consisting of a magnetic dependent electronic control circuit coupled to the clockwork so that a signal is triggered as desired by a changing magnetic field within the clockwork. A plurality of preferably 24 magnetic field dependent resistors are mounted equally from each other on a ring and connected to an inner distribution bar. A second row of magnetic field dependent resistors are connected with an outer distribution bar so that small permanent magnets mounted on a disc and connected with the clockwork of the clock are moved adjacent to the magnetic field dependent resistors at desired preset time intervals so as to operate the electronic control circuit and produce and indication signal.

United States Patent 1 Schweikart May 29, 1973 [54] CONTACTLESS DEVICEFOR [73] Assignee: Gehap Gesellschaft fur Handel und PatentverwertungmbH & Co. KG, Sasbachwalden, ub. Achem, Germany 22 Filed: Nov. 1,1971

21 Appl.No.: 194,419

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Oct. 31, 1970 Germany ..P 20 53524.4

[52] US. Cl. ..323/80, 323/94 H [51] Int. Cl. ..H0lc 7/16 [58] Field ofSearch ..323/80, 94 H [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS3,626,349 12/1971 Hubrich ..323/94H Primary Examiner-L. T. HixAttorneyAllison C. Collard [5 7] ABSTRACT A device for triggering asignal without the use of mechanical contacts for application in alarmclocks, signal clocks, time switching clocks for electronic devices,start and stop time clocks, short time clocks and the like, consistingof a magnetic dependent electronic control circuit coupled to theclockwork so that a signal is triggered as desired by a changingmagnetic field within the clockwork. A plurality of preferably 24magnetic field dependent resistors are mounted equally from each otheron a ring and connected to an inner distribution bar. A second row ofmagnetic field dependent resistors are connected with an outerdistribution bar so that small permanent magnets mounted on a disc andconnected with the clockwork of the clock are moved adjacent to themagnetic field dependent resistors at desired preset time intervals soas to operate the electronic control circuit and produce and indicationsignal.

8 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTED MAY 29 I975 saw 1 OF 4 PATENTED M 13'.73e,497

SHEET 4 [1F 4 Fig.5

CONTACTLESS DEVICE FOR ACTUATING A SIGNAL In the parent German pat.application No. P 18.14 771.2, a device is disclosed which actuates asignal without mechanical contact means in alarm clocks, signal clocks,time switch clocks for electronic devices, start-stop time switches forclocks, start time alarm clocks, and the like. The device consistsessentially of a magnet depending electronic control circuit in theclockwork. To trigger a signal, a change in the mag netic field isobtained by the triggering means for the circuit. In accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention in the parent application aconstant magnet is mounted on the triggering lever. After actuating thelever by the clock, the constant magnet is brought to a position whichis adjacent to the resistor which depends from the magnetic field.

The present invention improves the devices discussed in the parentapplication by providing a device for triggering a signal withoutmechanical contact means. The device can be preset level of the controlcircuit. The circuit includes a plurality of preferably 24, or 12 firstrows of magnetic field dependent resistors equally separated withrespect to each other on a circular holder, such as for example anannulus. These resistors are connected to an inner distribution bar, andalso with a second row of magnetic field dependent resistors. The secondmagnetic field dependent row of resistors are connected with an outerdistribution bar and are so arranged that small permanent magnets can bemounted thereon. A disc runs above the distribution and is connected, bymeans of an axis, with the clockwork of the clock. A small permanentmagnet is mounted on the disc and can be moved about the first magneticfield dependent resistors at the desired preset intervals. The inventivemeans allows a signal to be triggered at desired intervals without themovement of mechanical means. To obtain the selective desired triggeringof a signal, a small permenent magnet is mounted in a correspondingmagnetic field dependent resistor on the second row of the magneticfield dependent resistors. When the small permanent magnet, which ismounted on the disc, is above a corresponding first magnetic fielddependent resistor on the annulus, both resistors are subjected tochanges in the magnetic fields, so that the subsequent electroniccontrol circuit triggers the signal.

It is therefore an object according to the present invention to providea device for triggering a signal without mechanical contact means foruse in alarm clocks, signal clocks, time switching devices forelectronic circuits and the like.

It is another object according to the present invention to provide acontactless switching device which utilizes magnetic field dependentresistors and permanent magnets.

It is still a further object according to the present invention toprovide a contactless switching device which is simple in design, easyto manufacture and reliable in operation.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description considered in connection withthe accompanying drawings which disclose the embodiments of theinvention. It is to be understood however, that the drawings aredesigned for the purpose of illustration only and not as a definition ofthe limits of the invention.

In the drawings wherein similar reference characters denote similarelements throughout the several views:

FIG. I is a schematic drawing of the inventive device;

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the inventive switching arrangement withrespect to FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the inventive switching arrangementin accordance with FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 1, 24 magnetic field dependent resistors 2 are mountedequally from each other on a ring 1. Magnetic field dependent resistors2 are arranged so that they correspond to l rotation per hour, i.e., 24hours per day. The magnetic field dependent resistors 2 are connectedwith an inner conductive distribution bar 3. Distribution bar 3 isconnected to a connection point 5 by means of a feed line 4. Theopposite end of each magnetic field dependent resistor is connected to afurther magnetic field dependent resistor 6. Magnetic field dependentresistors 6 are connected vertically with respect to each other in tworows at the right and left sides of ring 1. The opposite ends of theresistors are connected to an outer distribution bar 7. Distribution bar7 is connected to a contact point 8. The two rows of the resistors 6,which are preferably arranged as shown in the drawing, may be providedwith cylindrical permanent magnets 9 which are movable in longitudinaldirection as indicated by dotted lines at 9. In this arrangement, apreselected interval can be choosen to trigger the signal.

The signal is triggered by a disc 10 which is mounted on an axis 11which in turn is connected with the clockwork. A small permanent magnet12 is mounted on the disc. The disc turns in the direction of arrow 13within each hour between the individually arranged resistors 2 on thedistribution bar on ring 1. Disc 10 is located centrally with respect tothe clockwork within ring 1, so that permanent magnet 12 moves each hourfrom one resistor 2 to the next.

When permanent magnet 12 moves to a resistor 2 which is connected withanother resistor 6 when permanent magnet 9 is at 9, both resistors areswitched in series and are subjected to a magnetic field. The resistancevalue changes so that the subsequent switching arrangement triggers thesignal. This signal can switch on devices as long as magnet 12 ispositioned above the corresponding magnetic field dependent resistor 2.If it is required to have a signal triggered every hour, permanentmagnets 9 have to be mounted on each one of the magnetic field dependentresistors 6, so that the permanent magnet jumps to the next magneticfield dependent resistor 2 after each hour, thus triggering a signal.Alternate switching on and off can also be obtained in each hour ifdesired.

In FIG. 2, a further switching arrangement is shown for triggering asignal in accordance with the device discussed with respect to FIG. 1.The terminal 5 of the two input terminals 5 and 8 of two distributionbars 3 and 7 connects to a resistor R and to a Gate G of a Triac T.Terminal 5 is also connected to a variable resistor, which is Pconnected to one output of Triac T. The other end of resistor P isconnected to a capacitor C,which is connected with the second terminal8. Terminal 8 is further connected with the second output of Triac T,and with one terminal of an alternating current source of 200 voltsthrough fuse Si. The alternating current power source is bridged by agenerator capacitor C The second terminal of C is connected to oneoutput of Triac T through a load resistor L, and choke coil Dr. Loadresistor L can be any suitable electric or electronic switchable device.The switch operates as follows:

When permanent magnet 12 of disc 10 (FIG. 1) is positioned'above amagnetic field dependent resistor 2 which is connected with a magneticfield dependent resistor 6 on which a permanent magnet 9 is mounted, thetotal resistance value fed to terminals and 8 is changed. The voltage atgate G thus moves into the range of the ignition voltage for the Triac.The Triac is then switched on, and the alternating current is connectedacross load resistor L. The capacitor C and choke coil Dr. prevent lowfrequency and high frequency interference pulses from entering thesystem.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the novel switching arrangement fortriggering a signal with the device shown in FIG. 1. A zero voltagetrigger CA 3059 (an RCA electronic Component) is connected on the twoconnecting points 5 and 8. A further terminal of the zero voltagetrigger is connected to one output of the Triac through resistor R whileanother terminal is connected to the other output of the Triac and onepole of the alternating current source by means of a fuse Si. The outputterminal of the zero voltage trigger is connected to Gate G of Triac T.A load resistor L is arranged in the same manner as described withrespect to FIG. 2.

The use of a zero voltage trigger is advantageous in that the filteringcombination consisting of choke Dr. and capacitor C is not needed. Thezero voltage trigger always switches on and off while passing throughthe zero of the sine voltage, so that no low or high frequencyinterference signals exist.

It is also possible to compliment the device of FIG. 1 by a secondsystem. In this system, a further ring 1 cooperates with a further discwhich is provided with a permanent magnet and connected with the minutecycle of the clockwork. With this arrangement, the inner and outerdistribution bars 3 and 7 may be switched in series with respect to eachother. It is then possible to trigger a signal every 2 9% minutes orevery 5 minutes, respectively. A signal will be triggered when all fourmagnetic depending resistors, which are switched in series with respectto each other, are subjected to the magnetic fields of magnets 9 and 12.

Where plurality of resistors 2 and 6 are switched in series with respectto each other, and are switched parallel due to the two distributionbars 3 and 7, only a very low total resistance exists. Such a low totalresistance makes a bridge control rather difiicult. Therefore, it issuggested, in accordance with the invention, that the inner distributionbar 3 not be used. Instead it is recommended that the ends of resistors2, which are mounted on the ring, be connected with an Inverter Gateswitch.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, which uses an Inverter- Gate Switch, innermagnetic dependent resistors 2 are connected to the positive pole of adirect current source of about 5 volts through resistors R R -R Thecommon connection points between magnetic dependent resistors 2 andresistors R are connected to two sextuple inverters SN 7404 N. Thisconnection is always at the input of the inverters. The outputs of thesextuple inverters are connected to a NAND Gate SN 7430N which haveeight inputs and one output. The inverters and the NAND gate areintegrated circuits. The output of the NAND Gates SN 7430N are coupledtogether to form output terminal Y at which the TTL level exists.

As can be seen from FIG. 5, the input E of zero voltage trigger N isconnected with terminal Y of the inverter Gate arrangement of FIG. 4.The output of the zero voltage trigger is connected with Gate G of TriacT. Load resistor L is mounted in the circuit of Triac T. The switchingarrangement of Figs. 4 and 5 operate as follows:

As mentioned in the discussion of the circuit of FIG. 1, one or aplurality of permanent magnets are mounted onto one or a plurality ofmagnetic dependent resistors 6, according to the time at which a signalshould be triggered. When magnet 12, which is mounted on rotating disc10 approaches magnetic dependent resistor 2 which is switched in serieswith resistor 6 with permenent magnet 9, the switching threshold ofinverter SN 7404N is exceeded and a signal is fed to NAND Gate SN 7430N.At output Y of the NAND Gate, a TT] signal of about 5 volts is created.This signal is guided to the input E of zero voltage trigger N, and canbe used for actuating the zero voltage trigger. The output of the zerovoltage trigger N is connected with gate G of Triac T. Load resistor Lis mounted in the circuit of Triac T. The two sextuplet inverters SN7404N and the two NAND Gates SN 7430N are connected to the directcurrent source of about 5 volts.

Instead of zero voltage trigger N having a subsequent Triac T, anysuitable electronic or conventional relay may be used. It was also foundthat the switching threshold falls in a temperature range of between 40C to plus C, even with a high degree of dampness in the air. Therefore,the inventive device is particularly suitable in regions with severechanges in the weather condition with a high degree of variations in thetemperature where the use of mechanical switching means cannot be used.

While only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shownand described, it is obvious that many changes and variations may takeplace without changing the character and scope of the invention.

I claim 1. A contactless device for triggering a signal, comprising:

a plurality of first, spaced-apart magnetic field dependent resistors,disposed in an annular arrangement; 1

an electrically conductive, inner distribution bar coupled to each ofsaid first magnetic field dependent resistors;

a plurality of second, spaced-apart magnetic field dependent resistors,each coupled in series with a corresponding one of said first magneticfield dependent resistors;

an electrically conductive, outer distribution bar,

coupled to each of said second magnetic field dependent resistors;

a rotatable disc, disposed adjacent said annular arrangement of saidfirst magnetic field dependent resistors, and movable about the centerof said annular arrangement at a predetermined speed;

at least one first permanent magnet, mounted on said disc adjacent saidannular arrangement of said first magnetic field dependent resistors;and

at least one movable second permanent magnet, disposed adjacent saidsecond magnetic field dependent resistors,

whereby said distribution bars are electrically coupled by selected onesof said first and second magnetic field dependent resistors adjacentwhich said first and second permanent magnets are disposed.

2. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a triac switchcircuit, having its input and gate terminals coupled to said inner andouter distribution bars, and a power source and a load resistor, coupledto the input and output terminals of said triac circuit, so that saidtriac circuit is activated and couples said power source to said loadresistor when selected ones of said first and second magnetic fielddependent resistors are coupled by said first and second permanentmagnets.

3. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a zero-voltagetrigger circuit, having its input coupled to said inner and outerdistribution bars, a triac having its gate terminal coupled to theoutput of said zero-voltage trigger circuit, and its input terminalcoupled to said zero'voltage trigger circuit, and a power source and aload resistor coupled to the input and output terminals of said triac,so that when selected ones of said first and second magnetic fielddependent resistors are coupled by said first and second permanentmagnets said triac is triggered and said power source is coupled to saidload resistor.

4. The device as recited in claim 2, further comprising fuse means,coupled in series between one terminal of said power source and theoutput terminal of said triac circuit.

5. The device as recited in claim 4, wherein said fuse means comprises amagnetic fuse.

6. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a direct currentsource, and wherein said inner distribution bar comprises an integratedinverter, coupled to said second magnetic field dependent resistors,having its input terminal connected to said direct current source, andfurther comprising a plurality of NAND gates coupled to an outputterminal of said inverter.

7. The device as recited in claim 3, further comprising a direct currentsource, and wherein said inner distribution bar comprises an integratedinverter, coupled to said second magnetic field dependent resistors andhaving its input terminal coupled to said direct current source, andfurther comprising a plurality of NAND gates coupled to an outputterminal of said inverter.

8. The device as recited in claim 2, further comprising a direct currentsource, and wherein said inner distribution bar comprises an integratedinverter coupled to said second magnetic field dependent resistors,having its input terminal connected to said direct current source, andfurther comprising a plurality of NAND gates coupled to an outputterminal of said inverter.

1. A contactless device for triggering a signal, comprising: a pluralityof first, spaced-apart magnetic field dependent resistors, disposed inan annular arrangement; an electrically conductive, inner distributionbar coupled to each of said first magnetic field dependent resistors; aplurality of second, spaced-apart magnetic field dependent resistors,each coupled in series with a corresponding one of said first magneticfield dependent resistors; an electrically conductive, outerdistribution bar, coupled to each of said second magnetic fielddependent resistors; a rotatable disc, disposed adjacent said annulararrangement of said first magnetic field dependent resistors, andmovable about the center of said annular arrangement at a predeterminedspeed; at least one first permanent magnet, mounted on said discadjacent said annular arrangement of said first magnetic field dependentresistors; and at least one movable second permanent magnet, disposedadjacent said second magnetic field dependent resistors, whereby saiddistribution bars are electrically coupled by selected ones of saidfirst and second magnetic field dependent resistors adjacent which saidfirst and second permanent magnets are disposed.
 2. The device asrecited in claim 1, further comprising a triac switch circuit, havingits input and gate terminals coupled to said inner and outerdistribution bars, and a power source and a load resistor, coupled tothe input and output terminals of said triac circuit, so that said triaccircuit is activated and couples said power source to said load resistorwhen selected ones of said first and second magnetic field dependentresistors are coupled by said first and second permanent magnets.
 3. Thedevice as recited in cLaim 1, further comprising a zero-voltage triggercircuit, having its input coupled to said inner and outer distributionbars, a triac having its gate terminal coupled to the output of saidzero-voltage trigger circuit, and its input terminal coupled to saidzero-voltage trigger circuit, and a power source and a load resistorcoupled to the input and output terminals of said triac, so that whenselected ones of said first and second magnetic field dependentresistors are coupled by said first and second permanent magnets saidtriac is triggered and said power source is coupled to said loadresistor.
 4. The device as recited in claim 2, further comprising fusemeans, coupled in series between one terminal of said power source andthe output terminal of said triac circuit.
 5. The device as recited inclaim 4, wherein said fuse means comprises a magnetic fuse.
 6. Thedevice as recited in claim 1, further comprising a direct currentsource, and wherein said inner distribution bar comprises an integratedinverter, coupled to said second magnetic field dependent resistors,having its input terminal connected to said direct current source, andfurther comprising a plurality of NAND gates coupled to an outputterminal of said inverter.
 7. The device as recited in claim 3, furthercomprising a direct current source, and wherein said inner distributionbar comprises an integrated inverter, coupled to said second magneticfield dependent resistors and having its input terminal coupled to saiddirect current source, and further comprising a plurality of NAND gatescoupled to an output terminal of said inverter.
 8. The device as recitedin claim 2, further comprising a direct current source, and wherein saidinner distribution bar comprises an integrated inverter coupled to saidsecond magnetic field dependent resistors, having its input terminalconnected to said direct current source, and further comprising aplurality of NAND gates coupled to an output terminal of said inverter.